Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

Coreg (Carvedilol) is good for controlling chest pain and treating heart failure and heart attack. You have to take it with food, and you can't miss doses.

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3.5/ 5 average rating with 406 reviewsforCoreg

Lowers blood pressure.

Norvasc (Amlodipine) works well to lower blood pressure and prevent chest pain. You can't miss doses, and you might get persistent swelling.

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3.7/ 5 average rating with 443 reviewsforNorvasc

Upsides

A first-choice treatment to prevent chest pain (angina).

A first-choice treatment for heart failure and heart attack.

For people with severe heart failure, Carvedilol lowers the risk of worsening heart failure, hospitalization, and sudden death.

A first-choice blood pressure treatment for many people.

Calcium channel blockers work especially well for African Americans to lower blood pressure.

Lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Prevents heart-related chest pain (angina) if you take it regularly.

Each dose lasts longer than other calcium channel blockers, which keeps blood pressure consistent without big ups and downs.

Particularly good at lowering systolic blood pressure (the top number), so it's a good option for older people who can commonly get high blood pressure only in the top number.

Downsides

You have to take Carvedilol with food.

Taking a beta blocker might make you feel more tired or out of breath during exercise or normal daily routines. This gets better for most people, but for some might not go away.

Not a first-choice treatment for high blood pressure according to the latest guidelines, except if you have heart failure or heart disease. As a second choice, your doctor might add it to medicines you're already taking if your blood pressure is still too high.

Can hide symptoms of low blood sugar if you're diabetic.

You can't miss doses. Stopping Carvedilol suddenly can cause your blood pressure to go up suddenly, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Calcium channel blockers can cause swelling in your limbs. If this happens for you, it probably won't get better over time, so talk to your doctor about alternatives if it bothers you.

Women are more likely to have side effects (especially swelling) from Amlodipine than men.

Some people might experience flushing with this medication.

You can't miss doses. Stopping Amlodipine suddenly can cause your blood pressure to go up suddenly, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.

If you have severe heart disease, using Amlodipine might increase your risk of chest pain or heart attack during the time right after starting the medication or raising the dosage.